The next point to be considered is the _use_ of words in the Quran, and here again the same symmetrical division into four classes is found, _viz_:-- (1.) _Haqiqat_, that is, words which are used in their literal meaning, as "ruku'," a prostration, and "salat" in the sense of prayer. (2.) _Majaz_, or words which are used in a figurative sense, as "salat" in the sense of "namaz" a liturgical service. (3.) _Sarih_, or words the meaning of which is quite evident, as, "Thou art _divorced_," "Thou art _free_." (4.) _Kinayah_, or words which, being used in a metaphorical sense, require the aid of the context to make their meaning clear, as: "Thou art separated," which may, as it {53} stands alone, mean "Thou art divorced." This class also includes all pronouns the meaning of which is only to be known from the context, _e.g._ one day the Prophet not knowing who knocked at his door said, "Who art thou?" The man replied, "It is I." Muhammad answered, "Why dost thou say I, I? Say thy name that I may know who thou art." The pronoun "I" is here 'kinayah.' The most important and most difficult branch of exegesis is "istidlal," or the science of deducing arguments from the Quran. This too is divided into four sections, as follows:-- (1.) _Ibarat_, or the plain sentence. "Mothers, after they are divorced, shall give suck unto their children two full years, and the father shall be obliged to maintain them and clothe them according to that which is reasonable." (Sura ii. 233.) From this verse two deductions are made. First, from the fact that the word "them" is in the feminine plural, it must refer to the mothers and not to the children; secondly, as the duty of supporting the mother is incumbent on the father, it shows that the relationship of the child is closer with the father than with the mother. Penal laws may be based on a deduction of this kind. (2.) _Isharat_, that is, a sign or hint which may be given from the order in which the words are placed. (3.) _Dalalat_, or the argument which may be deduced from the use of some special word in the verse, as: "say not to your parents, "Fie" (Arabic "uff") (Sura xvii. 23). From the use of the word "uff," it is argued that children may not beat or abuse their parents. Penal laws may be based on "dalalat," thus: "Their aim will be to abet disorder on the earth; but God loveth not the abettors of disorder." (Sura v. 69.) The word translated "aim" is in Arabic literally yasa'una, "they run." From this the argument is deduced that as highwaymen wander about, they are included amongst those whom "God loveth not," and that, therefore, the severest punishment may be given to {54} them, for any deduction that comes under the head of "dalalat" is a sufficient basis for the formation of the severest penal laws.